Dietetic Internship Program Structure and Curriculum

Objectives

1. At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 13.5 months (150% of planned program length).
2. At least 80% percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
3. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

Objectives

1. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
2. Employers will rate at least 80% of program graduates as satisfactorily prepared for entry-level practice, scoring 3.8 or higher on a 5.0 evaluation scale.

The Master of Science in Exercise Science (MEXS) is a one-year, accelerated program that provides graduates with the specialized skills needed for a career within human performance or clinical exercise physiology.  The full program takes 5 semesters, including one summer (2 academic years) to complete. 

Students who choose this option will live in Indianapolis (or the surrounding area) for the duration of the program.

See curriculum guide for MEXS + Dietetic Internship 

The Master of Public Health program is a professional program with a concentration in health disparities. The full program takes 7 semesters (3 academic years) to complete.

The MPH program coursework (MPH) is delivered in a 100% online format. All DIP coursework (MEXS) is ON CAMPUS and students MUST reside in the Indianapolis area during that time.

See curriculum guide for MPH + Dietetic Internship

The Master of Science in Aging Studies (MS-AGST) offers a flexible program that promotes a positive and holistic approach to the aging process. The full program takes 7 semesters over 3 academic years to complete.

The MS-AGST program coursework (GERO) is delivered in a 100% online format. All DIP coursework (MEXS) is ON CAMPUS and students MUST reside in the Indianapolis area during that time.

See curriculum guide for MS-AGST + Dietetic Internship

This course introduces competencies for a dietetic internship as outlined by ACEND. This course provides the *support and face-to-face time with supervisor and key personnel in order for the intern to receive all necessary information needed to be successful in all 3 Dietetic Internship (DI) rotations (Medical Nutritional Therapy, Food Service management, and Community Nutrition).

.5 Credit hours: Prior to start of Semester I

This rotation entails completing ACEND mandated supervised practice hours and competencies at clinical facilities, including acute-care hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics and wellness centers, dialysis centers, eating disorder treatment facilities, and Parental and Enteral nutrition programs.

6 Credit hours: Entire Semester II

This rotation entails completing ACEND mandated supervised practice hours and competencies at a variety of community nutrition settings such as Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) facilities, YMCAs, food banks and/or other comparable public health agencies. Interns must demonstrate knowledge and skills in maternal nutrition, pediatric nutrition, the nutrition care process, nutrition education and counseling, legislation, and program development.

3 Credit hours: 2nd half of Semester I

This rotation entails completing ACEND mandated supervised practice hours and competencies at a variety of food service settings including those that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Interns must demonstrate knowledge and skills in purchasing and inventory, food service, food production, food service management, food science, food safety, budget calculations, kitchen design, and equipment.

3 Credit hours: 1st half of Semester I